PEE WEE PAUL’S BIG ADVENTURE!
I CORINTHIANS 9:24-27
INTRODUCTION: For some of you who don’t know this is a take-off on Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure.
Out west where the back roads can get pretty muddy and they dry up to be pretty “rutty” (is that a word?) there’s a posted sign that reads “Choose your rut carefully because you will be in it for the next twenty miles!” For some, life is just one long rut. “A rut is a grave with both ends kicked out.” Life is the same old routine. It’s a boring existence of dull days. Many just want to hug the shore, stay in the boat and play it safe. They don’t want the apple cart upset. “Don’t make waves.” “Don’t rock the boat.” We like the status quo. They don’t want to venture out or try anything new. They don’t like the words – pioneers, scouts, pilgrims, or travelers. They’re not very adventuresome! How can you follow Jesus and not be on an adventure? Let’s consider some things here.
I. A History Lesson
Remember William Clark and Meriwether Lewis (Lewis and Clark)? A couple years back people celebrated their 200th year anniversary of opening up the west. Their expedition started in St. Louis. It then went up to Nebraska through South Dakota across Montana and into Oregon, (thirty-three people – fourteen years - $2500). What can we learn from them?
A. The Future is Uncertain: Not knowing what was out there they had the courage to explore. They were given a map – a bad one – so they just drew a map as they went. It was a journey into uncharted territory in dangerous surroundings with a fog of uncertainty. In spite of that they stayed true to their task. Why? Because they learned to deal/cope with the unknown.
How many of us and our churches don’t accomplish much because we are fettered by fear, shocked by skepticism and held hostage by hesitation? We may not know what tomorrow holds but we know who holds tomorrow! Jesus will always lead us into a future that only He controls.
B. We’ll Need Help Along the Way: They had to rely on advice from others. They enlisted a guide. Without the guide they would have never reached their destination. The guide (Sacajawea) knew more about where they were going than they did. All of us need help.
C. Make Friends on the Journey: They made friends with Native American chiefs and warriors. They made peace with would be enemies. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
D. Always Rely on Your Compass: They relied on a compass Lewis had purchased in Philadelphia, PA. They used it for 28 months and 7,000 miles. Jesus is our compass. Without Him life has no direction.
E. Take Notes: They kept a journal/log.
II. A Heavenly Lesson
Go back not 200 years, but 2000 years ago. Look at Jesus.
A. His Coming: He left a spotless throne for a filthy world. He owned no home in the world He created. He had no bank account in the world He owned. He came into the world He created to redeem the ones He had fashioned. His future was certain – the cross.
B. His Company: He enlisted twelve men to help Him. One betrayed Him. One denied Him. All forsook Him. Bet He didn’t give up on them! He wants to use each of us. If not now, when? If not here, where? If not me, who?
C. His Compassion: He made friends with tax collectors, Samaritans and harlots. He’s not willing that any should perish. Are you His friend?
D. His Compass: It was His father’s will.
E. His Canon: He took notes. We have a whole book – Bible.
III. A Human Lesson
Setting aside 2000/200 years ago, let’s talk about now. Listen to Paul’s words in this text. He had gone to Corinth and preached a no-nonsense gospel. He started a church that had all kinds of problems. He wrote to address these issues. Look at what he says to us as individuals and to our churches.
A. Get in the Race (v.24): The Christian life is not a sprint or a dash but a marathon and a relay race.
B. Get on the Ball (v.25): Some need to speed up, some need to slow down.
C. Get Over the Trivial (v.26): “Aimlessly” = no aim or goal.
D. Get Down to Work: “Efficiently”.
E. Get to the Finish: “Not disqualified”.
CONCLUSION: Push out from the shore. Launch out into the deep. Let down your nets for a draught. Attempt great things for God and expect great things from God! Why not join “Pee Wee Paul on his big adventure?”
